✧✦

❝ I suppose that's another aspect to consider. Even if there isn't anything gained, the experience could be worth their while, hence their doing so, ❞ he agrees, offering a small nod. he wouldn't consider something as this fun, but who was he to truly judge the value in it from others? well, perhaps he would judge just a smidgen, especially when it put their teeth in harms way. ❝ Mm. I agree with that. Perhaps some merely need to experience themselves to understand that sensibility, though from the looks of things... ❞ one person catches his eye, observing them as they take a bite into an item that isn't, in fact, a sweet treat, only to try again with the very next object without so much as a thought. ❝ Perhaps some will simply never learn, too. There are plenty like that even in more practical matters, unfortunately. ❞

"well, at least you're one of the sensible types here." and possibly the only one in this area at the minute, if the few both have already seen are an indication of how the rest of this visit will go. he must admit though, thinking about it is making him a little hungry. only a little. his teeth would likely protest while remembering the sight of this alone. maybe he should distract himself with conversation for now until all this passes. "how long have you been here? watching everyone, I mean. it can't be much fun for someone like you." if the man's reasonable approach were anything to base it on, he must be similar to a scholar or something like that. "unless you're just passing..."

Okay — I'll make sure to curate it so there are plenty of options but not too long so that you don't have so much work narrowing it down. It sounds like you're both open to a lot, but it might be better to start with somewhere quieter so we can spend some time together without getting drowned out".

"no, that's fine too, really. it's better if there's more to choose from. we work well as a team anyway, so that will be shortened in no time at all." they'd have to pick places that cater to their variety of tastes, as long as it's somewhere relaxing for all of them to unwind and push away their thoughts for a while. maybe near a park in case Wingal wanted to roam around? or even the beach.

"you know, I've been looking for an excuse to explore the Tundra. I don't know how well that might go on short notice, but we can grab some supplies on the way to keep everyone warm".

"the tundra, huh..." that meant facing the cold and, well, he's hardly dressed for it. neither is she to be honest. "alright, count me in. but let's make finding warmer clothes our top priority. unless you're planning to make it an extreme survival trip with food alone." now that is something he isn't up for, but his sister does have a sensible side to her. "can't say I'm ready for that kind of trial, I'm not sure you would be either."

"you sure? of course I'd love to. we're long overdue some family time, after all".

then he gives her a look that clearly tells he's about to make a jab, though completely harmless. "you are the youngest, after all."

"Wingal comes from an area that's quite open, so he'll be in his element — but I promise he's well-behaved and won't be too invasive of personal space. And there's plenty of options for cafes to suit certain tastes, so if you're feeling a particular way, we'll find somewhere to match. If you'd rather wait until talking it over with her, I can put together a list for brainstorming later on".

he thinks on it for a minute, but it's probably best to wait. "a list will help. if you send it over text when you're finished, it'll give us the chance to look through and pick something then check with you." it's exciting, really. a day out with his sister and a friend, one he hopes could be mutual in future.

"really now? well I don't see why not — a friend of yours is someone I've got to meet". her intention was to uphold that casual tone they'd oft use when juggling banter, but the swell in her chest softened her features without thought. "I'm... really glad. I was worried you'd keep everyone at arm's length".

but never mind that, there are important things to discuss. "anyway, I'm happy you agree. I'll see if Aichi is free later in the week if that works for you." finishing the rest of his sandwich, he brushes any remaining crumbs from his fingers onto the plate, then takes a mouthful of his own drink. "hey, Lumine? do you wanna go to the amusements some time? we haven't done anything for fun in ages."

"Of course. I'd love to meet up and enjoy that with you. We can figure out once you've spoken if we'll meet at a café or at one of our homes. I've got a house in Cotes that's always open if either of you would ever like. Momo and Wingal would be more than happy to meet new friends".

they could always sit outside. that way, Aichi could bring the companions along for some air. "let's find somewhere with outdoor tables, then you can bring them with you. it might be nice for them to get out for a while." his sister is sure to fuss over them, maybe even her own companion as well.

What a warming response — he knew well how bumpy things with loved ones could get while trying to put on a brave face, and couldn't imagine the other boy found it any easier, whatever had made things tense between the siblings. "She lives close by? Seems like the Stars might have wanted to help in their own way. It makes me smile when friends or family are placed close to one another so they have a familiar face nearby. I'm looking forward to meeting her".

his initial reply is returned in form of a slight nod and a warm smile. "yes, she does. it may just be a coincidence, but I'm grateful for it. I hope we can rebuild the bridge between us." they had never fallen out as such... being apart for so long though, it took a toll on both of them over the years. "once we can talk about it, I'll be sure to send you a message. until then, do you want to get some hot chocolate together?"

It sounded like things were getting better for the other boy and his sister. He'd remained vague about whatever had gotten between them, but hearing that things were on the mend (or he believed it to be) was comforting. "I'd be so happy to, if you're both sure about it. A companion, hm? Sounds like it would be pretty lively, but not too much for the two of you to catch up".

a small laugh leaves him, something he rarely has the opportunity for while he still has a task to complete. here, things are wildly different: no abyss order, no conflict other than the trouble the stars often stir up. everything feels calmer most days compared to Teyvat. "then I'll ask her the next time we meet up, she doesn't live far from my housing so it won't take long. I think both of you would get along." and something tells him they need more friends to lean on.

"A hot drink, a cooked meal, a blanket and the lights on once the curtains are drawn. It makes for a very cosy atmosphere, and the pets love it. Momo's purrs go right through whatever she's curled up on".

"it's something I want to share with my sister when we have time." and as long as she can forgive him for leaving her in the dark. "you could join us if you'd like, I doubt Lumine would mind. she has a companion of her own who will probably be there as well."

just as always, nothing stopped him from being her big brother. they might only share fleeting moments, but she cherished them, yearned for them to span eons. a smile, tinged with longing, gave him the first answer. "yeah. it's been so long". a glance flickered downstream and then guided back. "Paimon did promise we'd take you to Lantern Rite".

once the boat has drifted far enough, he stands again, eyes never straying from it. "they will never be forgotten, even those I didn't know. we'll keep them in our memories." sad as it may be to have lost so many, at least there's a way to give them something to be remembered.

❝ Strange and foolish, notably. But I do suppose humanity is comprised of those two words in their moments. It's a gamble, one that many people have a thrill in taking. ❞ one particular person comes to mind, but he doubts even he would participate in this, at least he hopes. ❝ It makes you wonder what drives them to do it in some instances. I don't believe this one has a reward other than eating something sweet if you're correct. ❞

"no reward?" then why? that's what he would ask. although, maybe there isn't a reason that makes sense, it could just be a simple matter of trying to prove something, either to themselves or someone else. "I don't really get it. if they have fun, then I guess it doesn't matter." except he isn't quite sure how any of this could be classed as fun, but everyone has their own definition of what they consider to be so in the end. "it does feel like some are beyond help though, watching them go through this as it happens. getting them to see the sensible side of it, I mean."

"yeah..." she murmured. too many to count. Natlan mourned almost two-thousand lost lives from the Abyss invasion. others were more personal. "there are a lot I failed to save as well".

"Lumine." he turns to face her in full, lifting the raft held within his palms in offering. "shall we light it and send it off... together?" if she declines and prefers to send her own later, he wouldn't blame her. but he wants to reassure her more than anything if she has any doubts after learning of the atlas and his plan.

@abyssalnova

it's a wonder anyone even attempts to, you could just as easily tap each item against a hard surface and see what happens. the larger objects might pose a problem unless you have a weapon or something else on hand to test them. "don't you find it strange that people are doing this? willingly too."

"I thought we could pay respects to Caribert, Direidyth. give you some time to remember everyone in Khaenri'ah".

"thank you. for inviting me." especially after last time. but she would of course, always, because that's how they operate. it would be nice, to have the time to stop and remember everyone. "you probably have people to pay respects to as well." their journeys were not without loss, after all. he may not know everything she has done but that much is a guarantee.